Monday 14/1/13

James 3:3-5 ESV

If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

We must watch our tongue, supervise it closely as we supervise the horse's bit or the ship's rudder; otherwise, things can go very wrong. Paul also advised us to "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger". It's wise to hear everything others have to say, think, acknowledge, then we can speak. Whatever we don't need to say, we better keep silent. And always be as gracious and humble as possible, for boasting can set a forest aflame.